People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I […]
What Children Teach Us Read More »
Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again…. Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:3,5
Chuck_ColsonWhen he went to federal prison in 1974, Charles Colson, the infamous Watergate conspirator and “hatchet man” of President Richard Nixon, was a defeated and empty man. An ex-Marine and accomplished attorney, he had been favored by Nixon, given free-reign to undermine political opponents even through acts of violence. Now he had fallen from the height of that power.
Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20-21 What is the
Right Here, Right Now Read More »
Jesus’ main message was that the kingdom of God—complete, divine, benevolent reigning—was a certainty, and that Jesus’ own ministry showed that. The truth of Jesus’ words put liars in their place. His healings showed that disease and death do not get the final word. When he cast dark, demonic powers out of people’s lives, Jesus was saying: freedom has come to you this day. Liberation, life, jubilation.
We Have Been Liberated Read More »
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:1-2 When we talk about “a voice in the wilderness,” we mean someone who is alone in expressing a particular opinion, although later it becomes obvious that the person was
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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and
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“When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” 2 Samuel
As the next wave of rising North American leaders, we are thirsty for mentoring from leaders who have gone before us, as well as for committed friendships and peer-companions in our lives and work.
Many in our generation feel tragically isolated in our leadership. We have received incredible training and are well equipped, in practical terms, for the tasks ahead. However, the times of instruction, equipping in ministry skills and opportunities to bring influence are not the most meaningful moments in our development as leaders. Instead, we have been most marked when men or women, further ahead on the journey, have come alongside us to listen and offer wisdom and thoughtful guidance. When someone takes more interest in who we are rather than just what we are doing, we begin to thrive, both as followers and ambassadors of Christ. We need those who will walk with us— not just in curricula or structured programs, but in long-term, personal relationships. We need mentors and peers with whom we can be vulnerable and honest.
A Call to Seasoned Ministry Leaders Read More »
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Genesis 1:26 Every day there are some
We have this expression these days: “going viral.” It means when something on the internet attracts an enormous amount of attention such that thousands or even millions of people click in to watch. Babies or puppies or kittens are likely subjects. Or a compelling speech like the post-game interview with high school football player Apollos
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If you wish you understood the Bible better, you’re in good company. It is not just newcomers reading the Bible for the first time who think the Bible can be challenging to understand. Mature believers think that. Bible scholars think that. Even biblical writers thought that. This should not surprise us. It should, instead, enthuse us and inspire us.
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More than 80 countries in the world have a day which commemorates the value of work, and the contributions of workers to the well-being of society. In the United States and Canada, it is the first Monday in September.
The Bible has much to say about the dignity of work, which helps us to see our labor as more than “just a job.” And, of course, we should keep in mind the labor of many who may not receive a paycheck for what they do, but whose contribution is just as valuable. Studying at the university or changing diapers or volunteering at a soup kitchen is valued labor in the eyes of God.
Thoughts for Labor Day Read More »
“The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14).
The shocking news of the suicide death of actor Robin Williams has left millions of people all over the world with a mystery: how could someone known for a whole-face smile that caused multitudes of people to laugh to the point of tears be so distraught and dark that he would take his own life? Many are perplexed, and there are many others who are saying to themselves: if anyone knew how desperately depressed I am, they would be surprised.
I write as someone who has seen depression across numerous generations in my own family, and as a pastor who has officiated at the funerals of those who have taken their own lives.
Many are turning to the Scriptures to understand, and if they look widely, they will find not only the hope the Scriptures offer, but also the honesty and accuracy with which the Scriptures account for one of the most common inner maladies of all time: depression.
Robin Williams’ Death Read More »